Cellular Modelling of hypoxia in respiratory disorders

This Aston University Prize PhD studentship will investigate the molecular mechanisms by which intermittent hypoxia occurring in the respiratory disorders obstructive sleep apena (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) leads to vascular dysfunction in an endothelial cell model. The hypothesis is that multiple rapid oscillations in oxygen concentration lead to attenuated protective mechanisms and a chronic inflammatory profile, causing vascular dysfunction. Previously it has not been possible to model rapid hypoxic oscillations in vitro because only static hypoxia workstations and small oscillating hypoxia chambers are available. To tackle this important biomedical problem, we will use clinical data to programme a customised hypoxia workstation to mimic the rapid multiple hypoxic episodes occurring in OSA and COPD, and study the biochemical and transcriptional responses of lung endothelial cell to a variety of hypoxic conditions.

You will be part of an exciting multidisciplinary research team working with our Industrial Partner, ‘Baker Ruskinn’, a world-leading instrument manufacturer. The systems biology project will involve designing novel culture devices, working with respiratory clinicians and learning/mastering an array of analytical techniques in biochemistry and molecular biology, as well as mathematical modelling.

Aston University was ranked 5th out of 94 UK Higher Education Institutions for research in Allied Health Professions (REF 2014) and was ranked 1st for research environment. Additional information about research in the School can be found at http://www.aston.ac.uk/lhs/research/. Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Alex Cheong (E-mail: [Email Address Removed]).

Financial Support
The studentship is open to Home/EU students only and comprises of the current RCUK tax-free stipend of £14,553 p.a. and payment of Home/EU tuition fees only. The studentship is available for three years, subject to satisfactory progress review at the end of the first year with an anticipated registration date in January 2018.

Application Requirements
● Eligible Applicants should hold at least a Bachelor (Hons.) Degree of either 1st Class/ 2.1 or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline (e.g. Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, Mathematics, Physics).
● EU Applicants will need to demonstrate adequate proficiency in English Language skills, with a minimum overall score of 93 (Internet Based) (with a minimum score in each section of: R: 18, W: 23, L: 19 and S: 19) in TOEFL or IELTS with minimum marks of 6.0 in each section and an overall band of 6.5.
● We would like to encourage applications from women seeking to progress their academic careers. Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter http://www.ecu.ac.uk/equality-charter-marks/athena-swan/, recognised recently by a prestigious Silver Award to the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and we pride ourselves on our vibrant, friendly and supportive working environment and family atmosphere. Aston University is committed to disability equality and is a Positive about Disabled People Symbol User.
● Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr Alex Cheong (E-mail: [Email Address Removed]).
● To apply please complete the on-line application form at
http://www1.aston.ac.uk/lhs/research/postgraduate-research/apply/ (Select: ‘Full-Time Research Biomedical Sciences’ Programme) quoting the Reference: ‘PhD_Cheong’ on all applications.

● The Closing Date for All Applications is: Sunday 19th November 2017.

Please Note that only candidates who have been selected for interview will be contacted. If you have not received an invitation to attend an Interview within approx. two weeks of the closing date, you may assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion